Millimeter-wave communications on a multifunction platform

ABSTRACT

A millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system may include an antenna array structure operating within a MMW band, having both a first antenna coupling point and a second antenna coupling point, whereby the first and the second location of the antenna coupling points are within a coplanar surface on which the antenna array structure is formed. The system may further include a first MMW transmitter that couples a first data modulated MMW signal to the first antenna coupling point and a second MMW transmitter that couples a second data modulated MMW signal to the second antenna coupling point. Coupling the first data modulated MMW signal to the first antenna coupling point generates a first MMW radio signal transmitted at a first propagation direction and coupling the second data modulated MMW signal to the second antenna coupling point generates a second MMW radio signal transmitted at a second propagation direction.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to telecommunication systems,and more particularly, to millimeter-wave (MMW) communication systems.

MMW communication technology offers a vast array of high-speedcapabilities, especially with the emergence ofhigh-bandwidth-requirement data services such as, but not limited to,the transfer or downloading of uncompressed high definition (HD) TVdata. The MMW band extends from about 28-300 GHz, which enables singleor multichannel carrier signals capable of Gigabit transmission speeds.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Among other things, the systems and methods of the present inventionprovide a mechanism of directionally switching millimeter-wave (MMW)line-of-sight (LOS) radio signal propagations using antenna arraystructures directly formed on a single planar surface. The antenna arraystructures include multiple antenna feeds that are coplanar with respectto the single planar surface, such that each feed receives and/ortransmits along a different propagation direction.

According to one embodiment, a millimeter-wave (MMW) communicationsystem includes an antenna array structure operating within a MMW band,whereby the antenna array structure has both a first antenna couplingpoint at a first location of the antenna array structure and a secondantenna coupling point at a second location of the antenna arraystructure. The first and the second location of the antenna couplingpoints are within a coplanar surface on which the antenna arraystructure is formed. The MMW communication system further includes asingle MMW transmitter device having a power splitter that splits a datamodulated MMW signal into a first MMW data modulated signal and a secondMMW data modulated signal that is identical to the first MMW datamodulated signal. The first data modulated MMW signal is coupled to thefirst antenna feed point while the second data modulated MMW signal iscoupled to the second antenna feed point. The first data modulated MMWsignal that is coupled to the first antenna feed point generates a firstMMW radio signal that is transmitted at a first propagation direction bythe antenna array structure. The second data modulated MMW signal thatis coupled to the second antenna feed point accordingly generates asecond MMW radio signal transmitted at a second propagation directionthat is different to the first propagation direction by the antennaarray structure.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a millimeter-wave (MMW)communication system includes an antenna array structure operatingwithin a MMW band, whereby the antenna array structure has both a firstantenna coupling point at a first location of the antenna arraystructure and a second antenna coupling point that is at a secondlocation of the antenna array structure. The first and the secondlocation of the antenna coupling points are within a coplanar surface onwhich the antenna array structure is formed. The communication systemfurther includes a single MMW receiver device having a power combinerthat receives one of a first MMW radio signal and a second MMW radiosignal such that the first MMW radio signal is received from the firstantenna coupling point and the second MMW radio signal is received fromthe second antenna coupling point. The first received MMW radio signalat the first antenna coupling point is received by the antenna arraystructure from a first propagation direction, while the second receivedMMW radio signal at the second antenna coupling point is received by theantenna array structure from a second propagation direction that isdifferent from the first propagation direction.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a millimeter-wave (MMW)communication system includes an antenna array structure operatingwithin a MMW band, whereby the antenna array structure has both a firstantenna coupling point at a first location of the antenna arraystructure and a second antenna coupling point that is at a secondlocation of the antenna array structure. The first and the secondlocation of the antenna coupling points are within a coplanar surface onwhich the antenna array structure is formed. A first MMW transmitterdevice couples a first data modulated MMW signal to the first antennacoupling point, while a second MMW transmitter device couples a seconddata modulated MMW signal different to the first data modulated MMWsignal to the second antenna feed point. Coupling the first datamodulated MMW signal to the first antenna coupling point generates afirst MMW radio signal transmitted at a first propagation direction bythe antenna array structure at a first operating frequency. Also,coupling the second data modulated MMW signal to the second antennacoupling point generates a second MMW radio signal transmitted at asecond propagation direction by the antenna array structure at a secondoperating frequency. The second propagation direction is different tothe first propagation direction.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a method ofmillimeter-wave (MMW) communications includes generating a datamodulated MMW signal and splitting the data modulated MMW signal into afirst data modulated MMW signal and a second data modulated MMW signalthat is identical to the first data modulated MMW signal. The first datamodulated MMW signal is coupled via a first switch to a first antennacoupling point of an antenna array structure operating within a MMWband. Also, the second data modulated MMW signal is coupled via a secondswitch to a second antenna coupling point of the antenna arraystructure, whereby the first and the second location of the antennacoupling points are within a coplanar surface over which the antennaarray structure is formed.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a method ofmillimeter-wave (MMW) communications includes generating a first datamodulated MMW signal from a first baseband signal generator and a firstMMW source operating at a first MMW frequency, and generating a seconddata modulated MMW signal from a second baseband signal generator and asecond MMW source operating at a second MMW frequency. The first datamodulated MMW signal is coupled via a first switch to a first antennacoupling point of an antenna array structure operating within a MMWband. The second data modulated MMW signal is coupled via a secondswitch to a second antenna coupling point of the antenna arraystructure, whereby the first and the second location of the antennacoupling points are within a coplanar surface on which the antenna arraystructure is formed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an antenna array structure such as a grid antennastructure, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an antenna array structure such as a series fed patchantenna structure, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows an antenna array structure such as a coupled patch antennastructure, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system operating as atransmitter, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system operating as areceiver, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system operating as atransceiver, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows operational modes associated with the millimeter-wave (MMW)communication systems of FIGS. 4-6, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system operating as atransmitter, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system operating as areceiver, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system operating asa transceiver, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows operational modes associated with the millimeter-wave(MMW) communication systems of FIGS. 8-10, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows implementation aspects for the MMW communication systems,according to different embodiments;

FIG. 13 shows a connection implementation between a bank of RF switcheswithin a MMW communication device and an antenna array structure,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14 shows an example application of a MMW communication system,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary process for controlling the switchesassociated with MMW the communication systems corresponding to FIGS. 4-6and 8-10, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of hardware and software for executing theprocess flow of FIG. 15, according to one embodiment.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merelyschematic representations, not intended to portray specific parametersof the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typicalembodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering representslike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments of the claimed structures and methods are disclosedherein; however, it can be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely illustrative of the claimed structures and methods that may beembodied in various forms. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theexemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplaryembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and will fully convey the scope of this invention to thoseskilled in the art. In the description, details of well-known featuresand techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresented embodiments.

Communications to electronic devices such as portable electronic devices(e.g., smartphones, charging pads, etc.) can either be in the form of awired connection, or a wireless connection operating at relatively lowdata-rates (e.g., 1 Mbit/s) and frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz) usingtechnologies such as Bluetooth, or near field communications (NFC).Thus, millimeter-wave-based high data-rate connections to such devices,among other things, enable near instantaneous video/photosynchronization, video streaming, etc. However due to the directionalnature of millimeter-wave (MMW) propagation, wireless link coverage caneither be limited, or require high-cost complex solutions, such as,phased array antenna systems. The one or more exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein, among other things, facilitate high speed (e.g., 7-20Gigabit/s), low cost, and reliable MMW band communications betweenelectronic devices.

In particular, the described embodiments generate directionallyswitchable antenna systems operating within the millimeter-wave band(e.g., 60 GHz region between 57-66 GHz) of the radio spectrum. Withinthe 60 GHz operating region of the electromagnetic spectrum, thepropagated MMW radio signals undergo high atmospheric oxygen absorptionand thus attenuation. While this high attenuation factor reducestransmission range, it offers frequency reuse advantages for mobilebased applications. The described example MMW band is, however,exemplary. According to another example, a 28 GHz operating region maybe utilized for 5G communication systems.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view 100 of an antenna array structure such as agrid antenna structure 100, according to one embodiment. As depicted,the grid antenna structure 101 includes a plurality of loops 102 a-102i, which are formed on surface P. Each of the plurality of loops 102a-102 i include antenna radiator elements. For example, loop 102 a hasantenna radiator elements r₁, r₂, r₃, and r₄. According to anotherexample, loop 102 b includes antenna radiator elements r₅, r₆, r₇, andr₈. As illustrated, portions of antenna radiator elements correspondingto one loop may be shared by the radiator elements of other adjacentloops. For example, radiator element r₄ of loop 102 a is also sharedwith adjacent loops 102 b and 102 c. In particular, radiator element r₉of loop 102 c forms part of radiator element r₄ of loop 102 a. Also,radiator element r₇ of loop 102 b forms part of radiator element r₄ ofloop 102 a. According to another example, radiator element r₅ is sharedbetween loops 102 b and 102 c. As such, the grid antenna structure 101,and thus, all the antenna radiator elements forming the plurality ofloops 102 a-102 i are formed on a coplanar surface such as surface P.

The grid antenna structure 101 also includes multiple antenna couplingpoints 106, 108, 110, whereby at such points, radio signals are coupledto the grid antenna structure 101 for free-space propagation. Asdepicted, the antenna coupling points 106, 108, 110 are positioned atdifferent locations on the grid antenna structure 101. For example,antenna coupling point 106 is located on radiator element r₁ of loop 102a, while antenna coupling point 108 is located at the intersection ofradiator elements r₅ and r₁₀ of respective loops 102 b, 102 c, and 102e. Further, antenna coupling point 110 is located on radiator elementr₁₁ of loop 102 i. Since the coupling points 106, 108, 110 are coupledto the antenna radiator elements forming the plurality of loops 102a-102 i, these coupling points 106, 108, 110, as with the antennaradiator elements, are also located within a coplanar surface such assurface P. An exemplary cross-sectional exploded view 114 of couplingpoint 110 illustrates this further by showing the coupling point 110 asthe region or area contacting the undersurface of the radiator elementr₁₁ located on surface P, which receives a signal for radiotransmission. Thus, the radiator element r₁₁ and coupling point 110 arelocated on a common plane.

Although the exemplary grid antenna structure 101 embodiment shows threecoupling points 106, 108, 110, any number of coupling points distributedat different locations may be provided for feeding a signal to theantenna structure. In operation, receiving a signal at each couplingpoint generates a different radio propagation direction. This in turnenables the directional transmission of radio signals in predominantlyline-of-sight (LOS) communication systems such as MMW systems. Asfurther depicted in FIG. 1, signal transmission diagram 120 illustratesthe effect of applying a signal such as a modulated MMW signal to eachof coupling points 106, 108, and 110. For example, applying themodulated MMW signal to coupling point 106 generates a MMW radio signalpropagation direction 122 having an elevation angle (θ₁) in the range ofabout 40-50 degrees. Alternatively, applying the modulated MMW signal tocoupling point 108 generates a MMW radio signal radio propagationdirection 124 having another elevation angle (θ₂) in the range of about85-95 degrees. Further, applying the modulated MMW signal to couplingpoint 110 generates a MMW radio signal radio propagation direction 126having yet another elevation angle (θ₃) in the range of about 140-150degrees. In the depicted example, the MMW radio signal propagationdirections 122, 124, 126 are within a plane (V) 130 that issubstantially perpendicular to surface P, on which the grid antennastructure 101 is formed.

The grid antenna structure 101 may be designed to operate as either aresonant antenna, whereby the radiator elements may typically behalf-wavelengths in size, or as a travelling wave antenna. In eitherdesign, the size of the radiator elements are, among other things,governed by the required gain and operating frequency of the antenna,and thus vary accordingly.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view 200 of an antenna array structure such as aseries fed patch antenna structure 201, according to one embodiment. Asdepicted, the series fed patch antenna structure 201 includes aplurality of patches 202 a-202 c having conductive connections 204 a,204 b, 204 c, 204 d, which are formed on surface P′. More specifically,conductive connection 204 a is electrically coupled to patch 202 a,while conductive connection 204 b electrically couples adjacent patches202 a and 202 b. Similarly, conductive connection 204 c electricallycouples adjacent patches 202 b and 202 c, while conductive connection204 d is electrically coupled to patch 202 c. The series fed patchantenna structure 201 also includes multiple antenna coupling points206, 208, 210, whereby at such points, radio signals are coupled to theseries fed patch antenna structure 201 for free-space propagation.

As depicted, the antenna coupling points 206, 208, 210 are positioned atdifferent locations on the series fed patch antenna structure 201. Forexample, antenna coupling point 206 is located on conductive connection204 a, while antenna coupling point 208 is located at the intersectionof conductive connection 204 b with patch 202 a. Further, antennacoupling point 210 is located on conductive connection 204 d. Since thecoupling points 206, 208, 210 are coupled to the series fed patchantenna structure 201, these coupling points 106, 108, 110 are alsolocated within a coplanar surface such as surface P′. As such, theplurality of patches 202 a-202 c, the conductive connections 204 a, 204b, 204 c, 204 d of the series fed patch antenna structure 201, and thecoupling points 206, 208, 210 are all formed on a coplanar surface suchas surface P′. An exemplary cross-sectional exploded view 214 ofcoupling point 210 illustrates this further by showing the couplingpoint 210 as the region or area contacting the undersurface of theconductive connection 204 d located on surface P′. Thus, the conductiveconnection 204 d and coupling point 210 are located on a common plane.

Although the exemplary series fed patch antenna structure 201 embodimentshows three coupling points 206, 208, 210 and three patches 202 a-202 c,any number of coupling points distributed across different locations ofany plurality patches may be provided for feeding a signal to theantenna structure. In operation, as with the grid antenna structure 101of FIG. 1, receiving a signal at each coupling point generates adifferent radio propagation direction. This in turn enables thedirectional transmission of radio signals in predominantly line-of-sight(LOS) communication systems such as MMW systems. As further depicted inFIG. 2, signal transmission diagram 220 illustrates the effect ofapplying a signal such as a modulated MMW signal to each of couplingpoints 206, 208, and 210. For example, applying the modulated MMW signalto coupling point 206 generates a MMW radio signal propagation direction222 having an elevation angle (θ′₁) in the range of about 40-50 degrees.Alternatively, applying the modulated MMW signal to coupling point 208generates a MMW radio signal radio propagation direction 224 havinganother elevation angle (θ′₂) in the range of about 85-95 degrees.Further, applying the modulated MMW signal to coupling point 210generates a MMW radio signal radio propagation direction 226 having yetanother elevation angle (θ′₃) in the range of about 140-150 degrees. Inthe depicted example, the MMW radio signal propagation directions 222,224, 226 are within a plane (V′) 230 that is substantially perpendicularto surface P′, on which the series fed patch antenna structure 201 isformed. The series fed patch antenna structure 201 may be designed tooperate as either a resonant antenna or as a travelling wave antenna. Ineither design, the size of the patch elements are, among other things,governed by the required gain and operating frequency of the antenna,and thus vary accordingly.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view 300 of an antenna array structure such as acoupled patch antenna structure 301, according to one embodiment. Asdepicted, the coupled patch antenna structure 301 includes a pluralityof patches 302 a-302 c that are inductively coupled and formed onsurface P″. More specifically, patch 302 a is inductively coupled toadjacent patch 302 b, while patch 302 b is inductively coupled to patch302 c. The coupled patch antenna structure 301 also includes multipleantenna coupling points 306, 308, 310, whereby at such points, radiosignals are coupled to the coupled patch antenna structure 301 forfree-space propagation.

As depicted, the antenna coupling points 306, 308, 310 are positioned atdifferent locations on the coupled patch antenna structure 301. Forexample, antenna coupling point 306 is located near the edge 315 ofpatch 302 a, while antenna coupling point 308 is located on patch 302 band off-set from the edge 317 of patch 302 b by distance x. Further,antenna coupling point 310 is located on patch 302 c and off-set fromthe edge 319 of patch 302 c by distance y. Since the coupling points306, 308, 310 are connected to the coupled patch antenna structure 301,these coupling points 306, 308, 310 are also located within a coplanarsurface such as surface P″. As such, the plurality of patches 302 a-302c and the coupling points 306, 308, 310 are all formed on coplanarsurface P″. An exemplary cross-sectional exploded view 314 of couplingpoint 310 illustrates this further by showing the coupling point 310 asthe region or area contacting the undersurface of patch 302 c located onsurface P″. Thus, the patch 302 c and coupling point 210 are located ona common plane.

Although the exemplary coupled patch antenna structure 301 embodimentshows three coupling points 306, 308, 310 and three patches 302 a-302 c,any number of coupling points distributed across different locations ofany plurality patches may be provided for feeding a signal to theantenna structure 301. In operation, as with the grid antenna structure101 of FIG. 1, receiving a signal at each coupling point generates adifferent radio propagation direction. This in turn enables thedirectional transmission of radio signals in predominantly line-of-sight(LOS) communication systems such as MMW systems. As further depicted inFIG. 3, signal transmission diagram 320 illustrates the effect ofapplying a signal such as a modulated MMW signal to each of couplingpoints 306, 308, and 310. For example, applying the modulated MMW signalto coupling point 306 generates a MMW radio signal propagation direction322 having an elevation angle (θ″₁) in the range of about 40-50 degrees.Alternatively, applying the modulated MMW signal to coupling point 308generates a MMW radio signal radio propagation direction 324 havinganother elevation angle (θ″₂) in the range of about 85-95 degrees.Further, applying the modulated MMW signal to coupling point 310generates a MMW radio signal radio propagation direction 326 having yetanother elevation angle (θ″₃) in the range of about 140-150 degrees. Inthe depicted example, the MMW radio signal radio propagation directions322, 324, 326 are within a plane (V″) 330 that is substantiallyperpendicular to surface P′, on which the coupled patch antennastructure 301 is formed. The coupled patch antenna structure 301 may bedesigned to operate as either a resonant antenna or as a travelling waveantenna. In either design, the size of the patch elements are, amongother things, governed by the required gain and operating frequency ofthe antenna, and thus vary accordingly.

With reference to the exemplary antenna structures depicted in FIGS.1-3, sweeping the radio carrier frequency also causes a change in theelevation angle of the propagated radio signal at each coupling point onthe antenna. Based on the LOS communication requirements of MMW systems,the above described antenna structures enable high-speed gigabit datacommunication services between electronic devices by making sure thedata modulated MMW radio signals are directionally transmitted from oneof the electronic devices to another recipient electronic device (e.g.,portable device such as a smart phone). The grid antenna structure ofFIG. 1, the series fed patch antenna structure of FIG. 2, and thecoupled patch antenna structure of FIG. 3 may be configured to operatewithin a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz.

FIG. 4 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 400 operatingas a transmitter, according to one embodiment. The exemplarymillimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 400 may include a MMWtransmitter device 402 and an antenna array structure 404. In thepresented example, the antenna array structure 404 includes a gridantenna structure the same as, or similar to, the grid antenna structuredepicted in FIG. 1.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the grid antenna structure 404 includes aplurality of loops 420 a-420 k, whereby, as illustrated by the dashedlines DL1, any number of additional loop structures may be implementedbetween loops 420 b-420 c and 420 i-420 j. The grid antenna structure404 also includes multiple antenna coupling points 424, 426, 428,whereby at such points, radio signals are coupled to the grid antennastructure 404 for free-space propagation. As depicted, the antennacoupling points 424, 426, 428 are positioned at different locations onthe grid antenna structure 404. For example, antenna coupling point 424is located on an outer radiator element r₁ of loop 420 a, while antennacoupling point 428 is located on an outer radiator element r₂ of loop420 k. Further, antenna coupling point 426 is located at theintersection of radiator elements r₃ and r₄ corresponding to loops 420 band 420 c. Although the exemplary grid antenna structure 404 embodimentshows three coupling points 424, 426, 428, any number of coupling pointsdistributed at different locations may be provided for feeding a signalto the antenna structure 404. In operation, receiving a data modulatedsignal at each coupling point generates a different radio propagationdirection. As previously described, this in turn establishes the MMWsystem's 400 LOS communication requirements with other MMW devices.

The MMW transmitter device 402 may include a baseband signal generator408, a millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., a phase locked loop—PLL)410, a frequency mixer 412, a power splitter 414 (i.e., also referred toas a power divider), power amplifier devices 416 a to 416 n, a bank ofradio frequency (RF) switches 419, and a switch control unit 423.

In particular, the baseband signal generator 408 provides a source ofdata (e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming Service) for radiotransmission via the antenna array structure 404. The baseband signalgenerator 408 may include various digital/analog signal processingcapabilities for formatting the data or information prior toup-conversion and subsequent transmission. The millimeter-wave signalgenerator 410 may further include a tunable PLL MMW signal generatorcapable of generating signals within, for example, a millimeter-waveband of 57-66 GHz. By applying the output signals from both the basebandsignal generator 408 and the millimeter-wave signal generator 410 to theinputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 412, a data modulated MMW signal isgenerated at the output (c) of the frequency mixer 412. Since thefrequency mixer 412 is coupled to the power splitter 414, the datamodulated MMW signal is received at the input of the power splitter 414.The output of the power splitter 414 divides the received data modulatedMMW signal along multiple paths P₁-P_(N). Depending on the powersplitter (e.g., 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, 8-way, 16-way, etc.), the receiveddata modulated MMW signal may be divided multiple ways. In theillustrated example, the power splitter 414 divides the received datamodulated MMW signal along paths P₁, P₂, and P_(N). However, asindicated by dashed lines DL2, the received data modulated MMW signalmay be divided along a plurality of additional paths (not shown) thatmay be coupled to other additional coupling points (not shown) on theantenna structure 404.

The data modulated MMW signals divided along paths P₁, P₂, and P_(N) arereceived and amplified by respective power amplifiers 416 a, 416 b, and416 n. Since the power of the data modulated MMW signal generated fromthe mixer output (c) is divided by the operation of the power splitter414, the power amplifiers 416 a, 416 b, 416 n are utilized to restore orincrease this reduced power. The amplified data modulated MMW signals atthe output of the power amplifiers 416 a, 416 b, 416 n are then receivedby the bank of radio frequency RF switches 419 coupled to the output ofamplifiers 416 a, 416 b, and 416 n. Under the control of switch controlunit 423, the actuation of the switches SW₁-SW_(N) within the bank ofradio frequency RF switches 419 determines which amplified version ofthe data modulated MMW signal is coupled to a corresponding one of thecoupling points 424, 426, 428.

In operation, for example, by actuating switch SW₁ to a closed position,the data modulated MMW signal (i.e., along path P₁) that is amplified byamplifier 416 a is received at coupling point 424 of the grid antennastructure 404. The amplified data modulated MMW signal received by thegrid antenna structure 404 at coupling point 424 is thus radiotransmitted at a first propagation direction. By actuating switch SW₂ toa closed position, the data modulated MMW signal (i.e., along path P₂)that is amplified by amplifier 416 b is received at coupling point 426of the grid antenna structure 404. The amplified data modulated MMWsignal received by the grid antenna structure 404 at coupling point 426is thus radio transmitted at another second propagation direction thatis different to the first radio propagation direction. Similarly, byactuating switch SW_(N) to a closed position, the data modulated MMWsignal (i.e., along path P_(N)) that is amplified by amplifier 416 n isreceived at coupling point 428 of the grid antenna structure 404. Theamplified data modulated MMW signal received by the grid antennastructure 404 at coupling point 428 is thus radio transmitted at yetanother third propagation direction that is different to both the firstand the second radio propagation directions.

In a first operating mode, by selectively actuating one of the switchesSW₁-SW_(N) within the bank of radio frequency RF switches 419 to aclosed position, a predetermined LOS MMW radio transmission at aspecific direction may be achieved. For example, the antenna arraystructure 404 may be integrated onto the outer (top) surface of a table,whereby the actuation of different switches SW₁-SW_(N) within the bankof radio frequency RF switches 419 generates different radiotransmission directions that are directed at different specificlocations around the table.

Alternatively, in a second operating mode, by selectively actuating allof the switches SW₁-SW_(N) within the bank of radio frequency RFswitches 419 to a closed position, a predetermined LOS MMW radiotransmission at multiple directions may be achieved (i.e., broadcastmode). For example, the antenna array structure 404 may be integratedonto the outer (top) surface of a table, whereby the actuation of all ofthe switches SW₁-SW_(N) within the bank of radio frequency RF switches419 generates different radio transmission directions that aresimultaneously directed at multiple specific locations around the table.

FIG. 5 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 500 operatingas a receiver, according to one embodiment. The exemplarymillimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 500 may include a MMWreceiver device 502 and an antenna array structure 504. In the presentedexample, the antenna array structure 504 includes a grid antennastructure the same as, or similar to, the grid antenna structuredepicted in FIG. 1.

As depicted in FIG. 5, the grid antenna structure 504 includes aplurality of loops 520 a-520 k, whereby, as illustrated by the dashedlines DL′1, any number of additional loop structures may be implementedbetween loops 520 b-520 c and 520 i-520 j. The grid antenna structure504 also includes multiple antenna coupling points 524, 526, 528,whereby at such points, radio signals are received at the grid antennastructure 504 during free-space radio signal reception. As depicted, theantenna coupling points 524, 526, 528 are positioned at differentlocations on the grid antenna structure 504. For example, antennacoupling point 524 is located on an outer radiator element r′₁ of loop520 a, while antenna coupling point 528 is located on an outer radiatorelement r′₂ of loop 520 k. Further, antenna coupling point 526 islocated at the intersection of radiator elements r′₃ and r′₄corresponding to loops 520 b and 520 c. Although the exemplary gridantenna structure 504 embodiment shows three coupling points 524, 526,528, any number of coupling points distributed at different locationsmay be provided for receiving free-space propagated signals by theantenna structure 504. In operation, data modulated signal are receivedat each coupling point from different radio propagation directions. Aspreviously described, this in turn establishes the MMW system's 500 LOScommunication requirements with other MMW devices.

The MMW receiver device 502 may include a baseband signal receiver 508,a millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., a phase locked loop—PLL) 510,a frequency mixer 512, a power combiner 514, power amplifier devices 516a to 516 n (e.g., low noise amplifiers—LNAs), a bank of radio frequency(RF) switches 519, and a switch control unit 523.

In particular, the baseband signal receiver 508 processes (e.g.,demodulation, error correction, clock extraction, etc.) data (e.g., aHigh-Definition Video Streaming Service) that is received via theantenna array structure 504. The millimeter-wave signal generator 510may further include a tunable PLL MMW signal generator capable ofgenerating signals within, for example, a millimeter-wave band of 57-66GHz. By applying the output signals from both the power combiner 514 andthe millimeter-wave signal generator 510 to the inputs (a, b) of thefrequency mixer 512, a down converted data modulated signal is generatedat the output (c) of the frequency mixer 512. As further depicted, thethree coupling points 524, 526, 528 of the antenna structure 504 areeach coupled to the inputs of the respective power amplifier devices 516a, 516 b, 516 n via the bank of radio frequency (RF) switches 519. Assuch, directional LOS data modulated MMW signals are received at thethree coupling points 524, 526, 528 based on their signal propagationdirection. For example, a data modulated MMW signal transmitted from afirst propagation direction is received at coupling point 524, while adata modulated MMW signal transmitted from a second propagationdirection is received at coupling point 526. Similarly, according toanother example, a data modulated MMW signal transmitted from a thirdpropagation direction is received at coupling point 528.

Based on the operation of the switch control unit 523, the bank of radiofrequency (RF) switches 519 couples one or more of the data modulatedMMW signals received at the one or more coupling points 524, 526, 528 toa corresponding amplifier 516 a, 516 b, 516 n for signal amplification.For example, based on the actuation of switch SW₁ (i.e., SW₂ and SW_(N)unactuated), a data modulated MMW signal received from coupling point524 along a first LOS propagation direction is coupled to amplifier 516a for signal amplification. Alternatively, according to another example,based on the actuation of switch SW₂ (i.e., SW₁ and SW_(N) unactuated),a data modulated MMW signal received from coupling point 526 along asecond LOS propagation direction is coupled to amplifier 516 b forsignal amplification. Further, according to yet another example, basedon the actuation of switch SW_(N) (i.e., SW₁ and SW₂ unactuated), a datamodulated MMW signal received from coupling point 528 along a third LOSpropagation direction is coupled to amplifier 516 n for signalamplification. The power combiner 514 thus receives one or more of thedata modulated MMW signals that have been amplified by power amplifierdevices 516 a, 516 b, and 516 n from amplifier outputs O₁, O₂, andO_(N). However, as indicated by dashed lines DL′2, the received datamodulated MMW signals may be amplified by additional amplifiers (notshown) that are coupled to additional coupling points (not shown) on theantenna structure 504.

In a first operating mode, as described above, by selectively actuatingone of the switches SW₁-SW_(N) within the bank of radio frequency RFswitches 519 to a closed position, a predetermined LOS MMW radio signalreception at a specific direction may be achieved. For example, theantenna array structure 504 may be integrated onto the outer (top)surface of a table, whereby the actuation of different switchesSW₁-SW_(N) within the bank of radio frequency RF switches 419 configuresthe MMW receiver device 502 to receive different MMW radio signalstransmitted from different locations around the table.

Alternatively, in a second operating mode, by selectively actuating allof the switches SW₁-SW_(N) within the bank of radio frequency RFswitches 519 to a closed position, a predetermined LOS MMW radio signalreception from multiple directions may be achieved (i.e., broadcastmode). For example, the antenna array structure 504 may be integratedonto the outer (top) surface of a table, whereby the actuation of all ofthe switches SW₁-SW_(N) within the bank of radio frequency RF switches519 configures the MMW receiver device 502 to simultaneously receive MMWradio signals transmitted from multiple locations around the table.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the position of the bankof radio frequency RF switches is functionally represented. Preferably,in FIG. 4, the bank of radio frequency RF switches 419 can be positionedbefore the amplifiers 416 a-416 n. In FIG. 5, preferably, the bank of RFswitches 519 may be located following the output of amplifiers 516 a-516n.

FIG. 6 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 600 operatingas a transceiver, according to one embodiment. The exemplarymillimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 600 may include a MMWtransceiver device 602 and an antenna array structure 604. In thepresented example, the antenna array structure 604 includes a gridantenna structure that is the same as, or similar to, the grid antennastructure depicted in FIG. 1.

The MMW transceiver device 602 may include a baseband signalreceiver/generator 608, a millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., aphase locked loop—PLL) 610, a frequency mixer 612, a powersplitter/combiner 614, power amplifier devices 616 a, 617 a, 616 b, 617b, 616 n, 617 n, a bank of radio frequency (RF) switches SW′₁, SW′₂,SW′_(N), and a switch control unit 623.

The MMW transceiver device 602 combines the operation of both the MMWtransmitter device 402 of FIG. 4 and the MMW receiver device 502 of FIG.5. Further the antenna array structure 604 is also identical to both theantenna structure 404 of FIG. 4 and the antenna structure 504 of FIG. 5.

In particular, in a transmit mode of operation, the baseband signalreceiver/generator 608 provides a source of data (e.g., aHigh-Definition Video Streaming Service) for radio transmission via theantenna array structure 604. The baseband signal generator 408 mayinclude various digital/analog signal processing capabilities forformatting the data or information prior to up-conversion and subsequenttransmission. Alternatively, in a receive mode of operation, thebaseband signal receiver/generator 608 processes (e.g., demodulation,error correction, clock extraction, etc.) data (e.g., a High-DefinitionVideo Streaming Service) that is received via the antenna arraystructure 604.

The millimeter-wave signal generator 610 may include a tunable PLL MMWsignal generator capable of generating signals within, for example, amillimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. In a transmit mode of operation, byapplying the output signals from both the baseband signalreceiver/generator 608 and the millimeter-wave signal generator 610 tothe inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 612, a data modulated MMWsignal is generated at the output (c) of the frequency mixer 612. In areceive mode of operation, by applying the output signals from both thepower splitter/combiner 614 and the millimeter-wave signal generator 610to the inputs (b, c) of the frequency mixer 612, a down converted datamodulated signal is generated at the output (a) of the frequency mixer612. It may be appreciated that the mixer input/output terminals aredescribed from the perspective whether signals are being up-converted(T_(x) mode) or down-converted (R_(x) mode) by the mixer 612.

The power splitter/combiner 614 operates as power splitter or powercombiner depending on the direction of signal travel. Thus, in thetransmit mode where the baseband signal receiver/generator 608 producesdata for transmission, the power splitter/combiner 614 operates as apower splitter. Alternatively, in the receive mode where the basebandsignal receiver/generator 608 demodulates and processes received data,the power splitter/combiner 614 operates as a power combiner.

In the transmit mode, since the frequency mixer 612 is coupled to thepower splitter/combiner 614, the data modulated MMW signal is receivedat the input of the power splitter 614. The output of the power splitter614 thus divides the received data modulated MMW signal along multiplepaths P′₁-P′_(N). Depending on the power splitter (e.g., 2-way, 3-way,4-way, 8-way, 16-way, etc.), the received data modulated MMW signal maybe divided multiple ways. In the illustrated example, the powersplitter/combiner 614 divides the received data modulated MMW signalalong paths P′₁, P′₂, and P′_(N). However, as indicated by dashed linesDL″2, the received data modulated MMW signal may be divided along aplurality of additional paths (not shown) that may be coupled to otheradditional coupling points (not shown) on the antenna structure 604. Asfurther depicted, the three coupling points 624, 626, 628 of the antennastructure 604 are each coupled to terminals A, B, and C of the bank ofradio frequency (RF) switches SW′₁, SW′₂, and SW′_(N). In particular,terminal A is coupled to SW′₁, terminal B is coupled to SW′₂, andterminal C is coupled to SW′₃. In the transmit mode of operation, thebank of radio frequency (RF) switches SW′₁, SW′₂, SW′_(N) may beconfigured to switch respective paths P′₁, P′₂, P′_(N) throughamplifiers 616 a, 616 b, and 616 n.

For example, by actuating switch SW′₁ to position ‘a’, the datamodulated MMW signal (i.e., along path P₁) that is amplified byamplifier 616 a is received at coupling point 624 of the grid antennastructure 604. The amplified data modulated MMW signal received by thegrid antenna structure 404 at coupling point 624 is thus radiotransmitted at a first propagation direction. By actuating switch SW′₂to position ‘a’, the data modulated MMW signal (i.e., along path P₂)that is amplified by amplifier 616 b is received at coupling point 626of the grid antenna structure 604. The amplified data modulated MMWsignal received by the grid antenna structure 604 at coupling point 626is thus radio transmitted at another second propagation direction thatis different to the first radio propagation direction. Similarly, byactuating switch SW′_(N) to position ‘a’, the data modulated MMW signal(i.e., along path P_(N)) that is amplified by amplifier 616 n isreceived at coupling point 628 of the grid antenna structure 604. Theamplified data modulated MMW signal received by the grid antennastructure 604 at coupling point 628 is thus radio transmitted at yetanother third propagation direction that is different to both the firstand the second radio propagation directions.

In a first operating mode, by selectively actuating one of the switchesSW′₁-SW′_(N) to position ‘a’, a predetermined LOS MMW radio transmissionat a specific direction may be achieved. For example, the antenna arraystructure 604 may be integrated onto the outer (top) surface of a table,whereby the actuation of different switches SW′₁-SW′_(N) to position ‘a’configures the transceiver 602 to generate different radio transmissiondirections that are directed at different specific locations around thetable. Alternatively, in a second operating mode, by selectivelyactuating all of the switches SW′₁-SW′_(N) to position ‘a’, apredetermined LOS MMW radio transmission at multiple directions may beachieved (i.e., broadcast mode). For example, the antenna arraystructure 604 may be integrated onto the outer (top) surface of a table,whereby the actuation of all of the switches SW′₁-SW′_(N) to position‘a’ configures the transceiver 602 to generate different radiotransmission directions that are simultaneously directed at multiplespecific locations around the table.

In the receive mode, the three coupling points 624, 626, 628 of theantenna structure 604 are each coupled to the inputs of the respectivepower amplifier devices 617 a, 617 b, 617 n when switches SW′₁-SW′_(N)are configured to position ‘b’. As such, directional LOS data modulatedMMW signals are received at the three coupling points 624, 626, 628based on their signal propagation direction. For example, a datamodulated MMW signal transmitted from a first propagation direction isreceived at coupling point 624, while a data modulated MMW signaltransmitted from a second propagation direction is received at couplingpoint 626. Similarly, according to another example, a data modulated MMWsignal transmitted from a third propagation direction is received atcoupling point 628.

Based on the operation of the switch control unit 623, the switchesSW′₁-SW′_(N) couple one or more of the data modulated MMW signalsreceived at the one or more coupling points 624, 626, 628 to acorresponding amplifier 617 a, 617 b, 617 n for signal amplification.For example, based on the actuation of switch SW′₁ to position ‘b’(i.e., SW′₂ and SW′₃ at position ‘a’), a data modulated MMW signalreceived from coupling point 624 along a first LOS propagation directionis coupled to amplifier 617 a for signal amplification. Alternatively,according to another example, based on the actuation of switch SW′₂ toposition ‘b’ (i.e., SW′₁ and SW′₃ at position ‘a’), a data modulated MMWsignal received from coupling point 626 along a second LOS propagationdirection is coupled to amplifier 617 ba for signal amplification.Further, according to yet another example, based on the actuation ofswitch SW′₃ to position ‘b’ (i.e., SW′₁ and SW′₂ at position ‘a’), adata modulated MMW signal received from coupling point 628 along a thirdLOS propagation direction is coupled to amplifier 617 n for signalamplification. The power splitter/combiner 614 thus receives one or moreof the data modulated MMW signals that have been amplified by poweramplifier devices 617 a, 617 b, and 617 n from paths P′₁, P′₂, andP′_(N). However, as indicated by dashed lines DL″2, the received datamodulated MMW signals may be amplified by additional amplifiers (notshown) that are coupled to additional coupling points (not shown) on theantenna structure 604.

In a first operating mode, as described above, by selectively actuatingone of the switches S′W₁-SW′_(N) to position ‘b’, a predetermined LOSMMW radio signal reception from a specific direction may be achieved.For example, the antenna array structure 604 may be integrated onto theouter (top) surface of a table, whereby the actuation of differentswitches SW′₁-SW′_(N) to position ‘b’ configures the MMW transceiverdevice 602 to receive different MMW radio signals transmitted fromdifferent locations around the table. Alternatively, in a secondoperating mode, by selectively actuating all of the switchesSW′₁-SW′_(N) to position ‘b’, a predetermined LOS MMW radio signalreception from multiple directions may be achieved (i.e., broadcastmode). For example, the antenna array structure 604 may be integratedonto the outer (top) surface of a table, whereby the actuation of all ofthe switches SW′₁-SW′_(N) to position ‘b’ configures the MMW transceiverdevice 502 to simultaneously receive MMW radio signals transmitted frommultiple locations around the table.

FIG. 7 shows operational modes associated with the millimeter-wave (MMW)communication systems of FIGS. 4-6, according to one embodiment. Asdepicted, an antenna array structure 702 may be located on a surface 704of, for example, a table, a mobile device (e.g., smartphone) display orhousing, or other device surface. The antenna array structure 702 mayalso be coupled to any communication device identical to, or similar to,those depicted and described in relation to FIGS. 4-6. Moreover, theantenna array structure 702 may communicate with mobile devices 706 and708, whereby each of the mobile devices 706, 708 include an identical orsimilar communication system to those depicted and described in relationto the MMW systems of FIGS. 4-6.

In a first mode of operation 700A, the antenna array structure 702 maydirect LOS communications to a target device. For example, as describedin the foregoing, utilizing a first coupling point on the antenna arraystructure 702 in a transmit mode, a data modulated MMW signal istransmitted at a first propagation direction to mobile device 708.Alternatively, by using another coupling point on the antenna arraystructure 702, a data modulated MMW signal is transmitted at a secondpropagation direction to mobile device 706. Although for illustrativebrevity only two mobile devices 706, 708 and two propagation directionsare described, multiple coupling points on the antenna array structure702 may be utilized in a manner that facilitates generating LOS signaltransmissions to multiple mobile devices located in the periphery ofsurface 704.

Moreover, utilizing the first coupling point on the antenna arraystructure 702 in a receive mode, a data modulated MMW signal is receivedat a first propagation direction from mobile device 708. Alternatively,by using another coupling point on the antenna array structure 702, adata modulated MMW signal is received at a second propagation directionfrom mobile device 706. Although for illustrative brevity only twomobile devices 706, 708 and two propagation directions are described,multiple coupling points on the antenna array structure 702 may beutilized in a manner that facilitates receiving LOS signal transmissionsfrom multiple mobile devices located in the periphery of surface 704.

In a second mode of operation 700B, the antenna array structure 702 maysimultaneously direct LOS communications (i.e., broadcast) to multipletarget devices. For example, as described in the foregoing, utilizing afirst and a second coupling point on the antenna array structure 702 ina transmit mode, a data modulated MMW signal is transmitted at both afirst and a second propagation direction to mobile devices 706 and 708.Although for illustrative brevity only two mobile devices 706, 708 andtwo propagation directions are described, multiple coupling points onthe antenna array structure 702 may be utilized in a manner thatfacilitates generating LOS signal transmissions to multiple mobiledevices located in the periphery of surface 704.

Moreover, utilizing the first and the second coupling point on theantenna array structure 702 in a receive mode, a data modulated MMWsignal is received at a first propagation direction from mobile device708, while alternatively, using the other coupling point on the antennaarray structure 702, a data modulated MMW signal is received at a secondpropagation direction from mobile device 706. Although for illustrativebrevity only two mobile devices 706, 708 and two propagation directionsare described, multiple coupling points on the antenna array structure702 may be utilized in a manner that facilitates receiving LOS signaltransmissions from multiple mobile devices located in the periphery ofsurface 704.

FIG. 8 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 800 operatingas a transmitter, according to another alternative embodiment. Theexemplary millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 800 may include aMMW transmitter device 802 and an antenna array structure 804. In thepresented example, the antenna array structure 804 includes a gridantenna structure the same as, or similar to, grid antenna structure 404depicted in FIG. 4. Moreover, the MMW transmitter device 802 includesmultiple MMW transmitter devices 802A, 802B, 802N that each havecomponents that are identical to MMW transmitter device 402 depicted inFIG. 4.

As depicted in FIG. 8, the grid antenna structure 804 includes aplurality of loops 820 a-820 k, whereby, as illustrated by the dashedlines DL1, any number of additional loop structures may be implementedbetween loops 820 b-820 c and 820 i-820 j. The grid antenna structure804 also includes multiple antenna coupling points 824, 826, 828,whereby at such points, radio signals are coupled to the grid antennastructure 804 for free-space propagation. As depicted, the antennacoupling points 824, 826, 828 are positioned at different locations onthe grid antenna structure 804. For example, antenna coupling point 824is located on an outer radiator element r₁ of loop 820 a, while antennacoupling point 828 is located on an outer radiator element r₂ of loop820 k. Further, antenna coupling point 826 is located at theintersection of radiator elements r₃ and r₄ corresponding to loops 820 band 820 c. Although the exemplary grid antenna structure 804 embodimentshows three coupling points 824, 826, 828, any number of coupling pointsdistributed at different locations (e.g., between dashed line DL1) maybe provided for feeding a signal to the antenna structure 804. Inoperation, receiving a data modulated signal at each coupling pointgenerates a different radio propagation direction. As previouslydescribed, this in turn establishes the MMW system's 800 LOScommunication requirements with other MMW devices.

In this alternative embodiment, each of MMW transmitter devices 802 a,802 b and 802 n is coupled to respective coupling point 824, 826, and828. More specifically, MMW transmitter device 802A is coupled tocoupling point 824, MMW transmitter device 802B is coupled to couplingpoint 826, and MMW transmitter device 802N is coupled to coupling point828. Thus, different data from different transmitter devices may becommunicated over directional MMW channels to intended recipients.

Within MMW transmitter device 802, MMW transmitter device 802A mayinclude baseband signal generator 808A, millimeter-wave signal generator(e.g., a phase locked loop—PLL) 810A, frequency mixer 812A, and poweramplifier device 816 a. Also, MMW transmitter device 802B may includebaseband signal generator 808B, millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g.,a phase locked loop—PLL) 810B, frequency mixer 812B, and power amplifierdevice 816 b. Similarly, MMW transmitter device 802N may includebaseband signal generator 808N, millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g.,a phase locked loop—PLL) 810N, frequency mixer 812N, and power amplifierdevice 816 n. Further, MMW transmitter device 802 also includes a bankof radio frequency (RF) switches 819 and a switch control unit 823. Eachof MMW transmitter devices 802A, 802 b, and 802N are coupled torespective coupling points 824, 826, and 828 via the bank of RF switches819, whereby the RF switches 819 are controlled by switch control unit823.

Within MMW transmitter device 802A, baseband signal generator 808Aprovides a source of data (e.g., a High-Definition Video StreamingService) for radio transmission via the antenna array structure 804. Thebaseband signal generator 808A may include various digital/analog signalprocessing capabilities for formatting the data or information prior toup-conversion and subsequent transmission. The millimeter-wave signalgenerator 810A may further include a tunable PLL MMW signal generatorcapable of generating signals within, for example, a millimeter-waveband of 57-66 GHz. By applying the output signals from both the basebandsignal generator 808A and the millimeter-wave signal generator 810A tothe inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 812A, a first data modulatedMMW signal is generated at the output (c) of the frequency mixer 812A.The first data modulated MMW signal is received and amplified by poweramplifier 816 a. The amplified first data modulated MMW signal at theoutput of the power amplifier 816 a is then received by the bank ofradio frequency RF switches 819 coupled to the output of amplifier 816a. Under the control of switch control unit 823, the actuation of theswitches SW₁-SW_(N) within the bank of radio frequency RF switches 819determines which amplified data modulated MMW signal is coupled to acorresponding one of the coupling points 824, 826, 828. For example, byactuating switch SW₁ of the bank of radio frequency RF switches 819 to aclosed position, the amplified first data modulated MMW signal iscoupled to coupling point 824.

Within MMW transmitter device 802B, baseband signal generator 808 Bprovides a source of data (e.g., a High-Definition Video StreamingService) for radio transmission via the antenna array structure 804. Thebaseband signal generator 808B may include various digital/analog signalprocessing capabilities for formatting the data or information prior toup-conversion and subsequent transmission. The millimeter-wave signalgenerator 810B may further include a tunable PLL MMW signal generatorcapable of generating signals within, for example, a millimeter-waveband of 57-66 GHz. By applying the output signals from both the basebandsignal generator 808B and the millimeter-wave signal generator 810B tothe inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 812B, a second data modulatedMMW signal is generated at the output (c) of the frequency mixer 812B.The second data modulated MMW signal is received and amplified by poweramplifier 816 b. The amplified second data modulated MMW signal at theoutput of the power amplifier 816 b is then received by the bank ofradio frequency RF switches 819 coupled to the output of amplifier 816b. Under the control of switch control unit 823, the actuation of theswitches SW₁-SW_(N) within the bank of radio frequency RF switches 819determines which amplified data modulated MMW signal is coupled to acorresponding one of the coupling points 824, 826, 828. For example, byactuating switch SW₂ of the bank of radio frequency RF switches 819 to aclosed position, the amplified second data modulated MMW signal iscoupled to coupling point 826.

Within MMW transmitter device 802N, baseband signal generator 808Nprovides a source of data (e.g., a High-Definition Video StreamingService) for radio transmission via the antenna array structure 804. Thebaseband signal generator 808N may include various digital/analog signalprocessing capabilities for formatting the data or information prior toup-conversion and subsequent transmission. The millimeter-wave signalgenerator 810N may further include a tunable PLL MMW signal generatorcapable of generating signals within, for example, a millimeter-waveband of 57-66 GHz. By applying the output signals from both the basebandsignal generator 808N and the millimeter-wave signal generator 810N tothe inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 812N, a third data modulatedMMW signal is generated at the output (c) of the frequency mixer 812N.The third data modulated MMW signal is received and amplified by poweramplifier 816 n. The amplified third data modulated MMW signal at theoutput of the power amplifier 816 n is then received by the bank ofradio frequency RF switches 819 coupled to the output of amplifier 816n. Under the control of switch control unit 823, the actuation of theswitches SW₁-SW_(N) within the bank of radio frequency RF switches 819determines which amplified data modulated MMW signal is coupled to acorresponding one of the coupling points 824, 826, 828. For example, byactuating switch SW_(N) of the bank of radio frequency RF switches 819to a closed position, the amplified third data modulated MMW signal iscoupled to coupling point 828.

As depicted by dashed line DL2, any number of MMW transmitter devicesmay be coupled to any number of corresponding antenna coupling points.Thus, different sources of data can be directionally transmitted basedon which coupling point is being utilized. For example, baseband signalgenerator 808A may include data that is transmitted at a firstpropagation direction when coupled to coupling point 824. Also, basebandsignal generator 808B may include data that is transmitted at a secondpropagation direction when coupled to coupling point 826, while basebandsignal generator 808N may include data that is transmitted at a thirdpropagation direction when coupled to coupling point 828. In someimplementations, the bank of radio frequency RF switches 819 mayincorporate a switch fabric architecture, whereby the output of theamplifiers 816 a-816 n can be electrically connected to any one of theoutputs O_(a)-O_(n). For example, switch control unit 823 could connectthe output of amplifier 816 a to output O_(b) and thus coupling point826. Moreover, switch control unit 823 could alternatively connect theoutput of amplifier 816 a to output O_(n) and thus coupling point 828.Such a switch implementation thus provides each MMW transmitter devicewith the capability of directionally transmitting data to an intendedrecipient device. According to another implementation, the architecturedepicted in FIG. 8 may also facilitate multiple-input andmultiple-output (MIMO) communication capabilities.

FIG. 9 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 900 operatingas a receiver, according to another alternative embodiment. Theexemplary millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 900 may include aMMW receiver device 902 and an antenna array structure 904. In thepresented example, the antenna array structure 904 includes a gridantenna structure the same as, or similar to, grid antenna structure 504depicted in FIG. 5. Moreover, the MMW receiver device 902 includesmultiple MMW receiver devices 902A, 902B, 902N that each have componentsthat are identical to MMW receiver device 502 depicted in FIG. 5.

Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 9, the grid antenna structure 904includes a plurality of loops 920 a-920 k, whereby, as illustrated bythe dashed lines DL1, any number of additional loop structures may beimplemented between loops 920 b-920 c and 920 i-920 j. The grid antennastructure 904 also includes multiple antenna coupling points 924, 926,928, whereby at such points, radio signals are received by the gridantenna structure 904 during free-space radio signal reception. Asdepicted, the antenna coupling points 924, 926, 928 are positioned atdifferent locations on the grid antenna structure 904. For example,antenna coupling point 924 is located on an outer radiator element r′₁of loop 920 a, while antenna coupling point 928 is located on an outerradiator element r′₂ of loop 920 k. Further, antenna coupling point 926is located at the intersection of radiator elements r′₃ and r′₄corresponding to loops 920 b and 920 c. Although the exemplary gridantenna structure 904 embodiment shows three coupling points 924, 926,928, any number of coupling points distributed at different locations(e.g., between dashed line DL1) may be provided for feeding a signal tothe antenna structure 904. In operation, each coupling point receives adata modulated signal from a different radio propagation direction. Aspreviously described, this in turn establishes the MMW system's 900 LOScommunication requirements with other MMW devices.

In this alternative embodiment, each of MMW receiver devices 902A, 902Band 902N is coupled to respective coupling point 924, 926, and 928. Morespecifically, MMW receiver device 902A is coupled to coupling point 924,MMW receiver device 902B is coupled to coupling point 926, and MMWreceiver device 902N is coupled to coupling point 928. Thus, data fromdifferent intended recipients may be received over directional MMWchannels.

Within MMW receiver device 902, MMW receiver device 902A may includebaseband signal receiver 908A, millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., aphase locked loop—PLL) 910A, frequency mixer 912A, and power amplifierdevice 916 a (e.g., low noise amplifier—LNA). Also, MMW receiver device902B may include baseband signal receiver 908B, millimeter-wave signalgenerator (e.g., a phase locked loop—PLL) 910B, frequency mixer 912B,and power amplifier device 916 b (e.g., LNA). Similarly, MMW receiverdevice 902N may include baseband signal receiver 908N, millimeter-wavesignal generator (e.g., a phase locked loop—PLL) 910N, frequency mixer912N, and power amplifier device 916 n (e.g., LNA). Further, MMWreceiver device 902 also includes a bank of radio frequency (RF)switches 919 and a switch control unit 823. Each of coupling points 924,926, and 928 are coupled to respective MMW receiver devices 902A, 902 b,and 902N via the bank of RF switches 919, whereby the RF switches 919are controlled by switch control unit 823.

Within MMW receiver device 902A, baseband signal receiver 908A processes(e.g., demodulation, error correction, clock extraction, etc.) data(e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming Service) that is received viathe antenna array structure 904. The baseband signal receiver 908A mayinclude various digital/analog signal processing capabilities followingthe down-conversion of a received MMW radio signal by mixer 912A. Themillimeter-wave signal generator 910A may further include a tunable PLLMMW signal generator capable of generating signals within, for example,a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. By applying the output signals fromboth the power amplifier 916 a and the millimeter-wave signal generator910A to the inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 912A, a first downconverted data modulated signal is generated at the output (c) of thefrequency mixer 912A.

Also, for MMW receiver device 902B, baseband signal receiver 908Bprocesses (e.g., demodulation, error correction, clock extraction, etc.)data (e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming Service) that is receivedvia the antenna array structure 904. The baseband signal receiver 908Bmay include various digital/analog signal processing capabilitiesfollowing the down-conversion of a received MMW radio signal by mixer912B. The millimeter-wave signal generator 910B may further include atunable PLL MMW signal generator capable of generating signals within,for example, a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. By applying the outputsignals from both power amplifier 916 b and millimeter-wave signalgenerator 910B to the inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 912B, asecond down converted data modulated signal is generated at the output(c) of the frequency mixer 912B.

Similarly, for MMW receiver device 902N, baseband signal receiver 908Nalso processes (e.g., demodulation, error correction, clock extraction,etc.) data (e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming Service) that isreceived via the antenna array structure 904. The baseband signalreceiver 908N may include various digital/analog signal processingcapabilities following the down-conversion of a received MMW radiosignal by mixer 912N. The millimeter-wave signal generator 910N mayfurther include a tunable PLL MMW signal generator capable of generatingsignals within, for example, a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. Byapplying the output signals from both power amplifier 916 n andmillimeter-wave signal generator 910N to the inputs (a, b) of thefrequency mixer 912N, a third down converted data modulated signal isgenerated at the output (c) of the frequency mixer 912N.

Under the control of switch control unit 923, the actuation of theswitches SW₁-SW_(N) within the bank of radio frequency RF switches 919determines which data modulated MMW radio signals are received at acorresponding one of the MMW receiver devices 902A, 902B, 902N. Forexample, by actuating switch SW₁ of the bank of radio frequency RFswitches 919 to a closed position, a first data modulated MMW radiosignal from a first propagation direction is coupled from coupling point924 to MMW receiver devices 902A. Alternatively, by actuating switch SW₂of the bank of radio frequency RF switches 919 to a closed position, asecond data modulated MMW radio signal from a second propagationdirection is coupled from coupling point 926 to MMW receiver devices902B. Further, by actuating switch SW_(N) of the bank of radio frequencyRF switches 819 to a closed position, a third data modulated MMW radiosignal from a third propagation direction is coupled from coupling point828 to MMW receiver devices 902N.

As depicted by dashed line DL2, any number of MMW receiver devices maybe coupled to any number of corresponding antenna coupling points. Thus,different MMW radio signals can be directionally received based on whichcoupling point is being utilized. For example, baseband signal receiver908A may receive data that is transmitted from a first propagationdirection via coupling point 924. Also, baseband signal receiver 908Bmay receive data that is transmitted from a second propagation directionvia coupling point 926, while baseband signal receiver 908N may receivedata that is transmitted from a third propagation direction via couplingpoint 928. In some implementations, the bank of radio frequency RFswitches 919 may incorporate a switch fabric architecture, whereby anyone of the inputs I_(a)-I_(n) can be electrically connected to the inputof the amplifiers 916 a-916 n. For example, switch control unit 923could connect input I_(b) and thus coupling point 926 to the input ofamplifier 916 a. Moreover, switch control unit 923 could alternativelyconnect input I_(b) and thus coupling point 926 to the input ofamplifier 916 n. Such a switch implementation thus provides each MMWreceiver device with the capability of directionally receiving data froman intended recipient device. According to another implementation, thearchitecture depicted in FIG. 9 may also facilitate multiple-input andmultiple-output (MIMO) communication capabilities.

It may be appreciated that while MMW radio signals propagating frommultiple directions are received at each coupling point associated withthe antenna array structure, sufficient signal strength for MMW receiverdetection is based on each coupling point's sensitivity to a particularsignal propagation direction. As such, although several radio signalsfrom different directions may be incident at a given coupling point, oneof the several radio signals received from a particular direction willbe detectable.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the position of the bankof radio frequency RF switches is functionally represented. Preferably,in FIG. 8, the bank of radio frequency RF switches 819 can be positionedbefore the amplifiers 816 a-816 n. In FIG. 9, preferably, the bank of RFswitches 919 may be located following the output of amplifiers 916 a-916n.

FIG. 10 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 1000operating as a transceiver, according to another embodiment. Theexemplary millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 1000 may include aMMW transceiver device 1002 and an antenna array structure 1004. In thepresented example, the antenna array structure 1004 includes a gridantenna structure that is the same as, or similar to, the grid antennastructure depicted in FIG. 6. Moreover, the MMW transceiver device 1002includes multiple MMW transceiver devices 1002A, 1002B, 1002N that eachhave components that are identical to MMW transceiver device 602depicted in FIG. 6. MMW transceiver device 1002 may further include aswitch control unit 1023.

MMW transceiver device 1002A may include a baseband signalreceiver/generator 1008A, a millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., aphase locked loop—PLL) 1010A, a frequency mixer 1012A, power amplifierdevices 1016 a and 1017 a, and radio frequency (RF) switch SW″₁.Accordingly, MMW transceiver device 1002B may include baseband signalreceiver/generator 1008B, millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., aphase locked loop—PLL) 1010B, frequency mixer 1012B, power amplifierdevices 1016 b and 1017 b, and radio frequency (RF) switch SW″₂.Similarly, MMW transceiver device 1002N may include baseband signalreceiver/generator 1008N, millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., aphase locked loop—PLL) 1010N, frequency mixer 1012N, power amplifierdevices 1016 n and 1017 n, and radio frequency (RF) switch SW″_(n).

The MMW transceiver device 1002 combines the operation of both the MMWtransmitter device 802 of FIG. 8 and the MMW receiver device 902 of FIG.9. Further the antenna array structure 1004 is also identical to boththe antenna structure 804 of FIG. 8 and the antenna structure 904 ofFIG. 9.

In particular, in a transmit mode of operation, each of the basebandsignal receivers/generators 1008A, 1008B, 1008N provide a source of data(e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming Service) for radio transmissionvia the antenna array structure 1004. The baseband signalreceivers/generators 1008A, 1008B, 1008N may include variousdigital/analog signal processing capabilities for formatting the data orinformation prior to up-conversion and subsequent transmission.Alternatively, in a receive mode of operation, the baseband signalreceivers/generators 1008A, 1008B, 1008N process (e.g., demodulation,error correction, clock extraction, etc.) data (e.g., a High-DefinitionVideo Streaming Service) that is received via the antenna arraystructure 1004.

Within MMW transceiver 1002A, the millimeter-wave signal generator 1010Amay include a tunable PLL MMW signal generator capable of generatingsignals within, for example, a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. In atransmit mode of operation, by applying the output signals from both thebaseband signal receiver/generator 1008A and the millimeter-wave signalgenerator 1010A to the inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 1012A, afirst data modulated MMW signal is generated at output (c) of thefrequency mixer 1012A. In a receive mode of operation, by applying theoutput signal from the power amplifier 1017 a and the millimeter-wavesignal generator 1010A to the inputs (b, c) of the frequency mixer1012A, a first down converted data modulated signal is generated atoutput (b) of the frequency mixer 1012A. Accordingly, the mixerinput/output terminals are described from the perspective of whethersignals are being up-converted (T_(x) mode) or down-converted (R_(x)mode) by the mixer 1012A.

Within MMW transceiver 1002B, millimeter-wave signal generator 1010B mayinclude a tunable PLL MMW signal generator capable of generating signalswithin, for example, a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. In a transmitmode of operation, by applying the output signals from both basebandsignal receiver/generator 1008B and millimeter-wave signal generator1010B to the inputs (a, b) of frequency mixer 1012B, a second datamodulated MMW signal is generated at output (c) of the frequency mixer1012B. In a receive mode of operation, by applying the output signalfrom power amplifier 1017 b and millimeter-wave signal generator 1010Bto the inputs (b, c) of frequency mixer 1012B, a second down converteddata modulated signal is generated at output (b) of the frequency mixer1012B. Accordingly, the mixer input/output terminals are described fromthe perspective of whether signals are being up-converted (T_(x) mode)or down-converted (R_(x) mode) by the mixer 1012B.

Similarly, within MMW transceiver 1002N, millimeter-wave signalgenerator 1010N may include a tunable PLL MMW signal generator capableof generating signals within, for example, a millimeter-wave band of57-66 GHz. In a transmit mode of operation, by applying the outputsignals from both baseband signal receiver/generator 1008N andmillimeter-wave signal generator 1010N to the inputs (a, b) of frequencymixer 1012N, a third data modulated MMW signal is generated at output(c) of the frequency mixer 1012N. In a receive mode of operation, byapplying the output signal from power amplifier 1017 n andmillimeter-wave signal generator 1010N to the inputs (b, c) of frequencymixer 1012N, a third down converted data modulated signal is generatedat output (b) of the frequency mixer 1012N. Accordingly, the mixerinput/output terminals are described from the perspective of whethersignals are being up-converted (T_(x) mode) or down-converted (R_(x)mode) by the mixer 1012N.

In the transmit mode, data that is to be transmitted is up-converted toa MMW carrier frequency, amplified, and radio transmitted via theantenna array structure. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, each ofthe MMW transceiver devices 1002A-1002N within MMW transceiver device1002 can generate different MMW data (e.g., different services) signalsfor radio transmission to different directions based on which couplingpoints these MMW data signals are applied to.

For example, data (e.g., service A—streaming music) that is generated bybaseband signal receiver/generator 1008A is up-converted to a MMWcarrier frequency using mixer 1012A and millimeter-wave signal generator1010A. This first up-converted MMW data signal is thus amplified andcoupled to coupling point 1024 based on the switch control unit 1023actuating switch SW″₁ to position ‘a’. At the coupling point 1024, theantenna array structure 1004 radio transmits the first up-converted MMWdata along a first propagation direction. Also, data (e.g., serviceB—streaming video) that is generated by baseband signalreceiver/generator 1008B is up-converted to a MMW carrier frequencyusing mixer 1012B and millimeter-wave signal generator 1010B. Thissecond up-converted MMW data signal is thus amplified and coupled tocoupling point 1026 based on the switch control unit 1023 actuatingswitch SW″₂ to position ‘a’. At the coupling point 1026, the antennaarray structure 1004 radio transmits the second up-converted MMW dataalong a second propagation direction. Similarly, data (e.g., serviceC—storage data) that is generated by baseband signal receiver/generator1008N is up-converted to a MMW carrier frequency using mixer 1012N andmillimeter-wave signal generator 1010N. This third up-converted MMW datasignal is thus amplified and coupled to coupling point 1028 based on theswitch control unit 1023 actuating switch SW″_(N) to position ‘a’. Atthe coupling point 1028, the antenna array structure 1004 radiotransmits the third up-converted MMW data along a third propagationdirection.

In the receive mode, a MMW radio signal that is received via the antennaarray structure is pre-amplified, down-converted to a basebandfrequency, and demodulated to retrieve the data. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 10, each of the MMW transceiver devices 1002A-1002Nwithin MMW transceiver device 1002 can receive different MMW radio(e.g., different services) signals received from different directionsbased on which coupling points these MMW radio signals are received at.

For example, a first MMW radio signal is received at coupling point 1024from a first propagation direction. Based on the switch control unit1023 actuating switch SW″₁ to position ‘b’, the received first MMW radiosignal is amplified by power amplifier 1017 a. Using the millimeter-wavesignal generator 1010A and frequency mixer 1012A, the amplified firstMMW radio signal is then down-converted to a baseband frequency fordemodulation and processing by the baseband signal receiver/generator1008A in order to extract the data (e.g., service A—streaming music).Also, a second MMW radio signal is received at coupling point 1026 froma second propagation direction. Based on the switch control unit 1023actuating switch SW″₂ to position ‘b’, the received second MMW radiosignal is amplified by power amplifier 1017 b. Using the millimeter-wavesignal generator 1010B and frequency mixer 1012B, the amplified secondMMW radio signal is then down-converted to a baseband frequency fordemodulation and processing by baseband signal receiver/generator 1008Bin order to extract the data (e.g., service B—streaming video).Similarly, a third MMW radio signal is received at coupling point 1028from a third propagation direction. Based on the switch control unit1023 actuating switch SW″_(N) to position ‘b’, the received third MMWradio signal is amplified by power amplifier 1017 n. Using themillimeter-wave signal generator 1010N and frequency mixer 1012N, theamplified third MMW radio signal is then down-converted to a basebandfrequency for demodulation and processing by baseband signalreceiver/generator 1008N in order to extract the data (e.g., serviceC—storage data).

FIG. 11 shows operational modes associated with the millimeter-wave(MMW) communication systems of FIGS. 8-10, according to one embodiment.As depicted, an antenna array structure 1102 may be located on a surface1104 of, for example, a table, a mobile device (e.g., smartphone)display or housing, or other device surface. The antenna array structure1102 may also be coupled to any communication device identical to, orsimilar to, those depicted and described in relation to FIGS. 8-10.Moreover, the antenna array structure 1102 may communicate with mobiledevices 1106 and 1108, whereby each of the mobile devices 1106, 1108include an identical or similar communication system to those depictedand described in relation to the MMW systems of FIGS. 8-10.

In one mode of operation 1100, the antenna array structure 1102 mayconcurrently direct LOS communications to multiple target devices. Forexample, as described in the foregoing, utilizing a first coupling pointon the antenna array structure 1102 in a transmit mode, a data modulatedMMW signal carrying a data service (e.g., data service A: videoconference data) is transmitted via one transceiver device at a firstpropagation direction to mobile device 1108. Concurrently oralternatively, by using another coupling point on the antenna arraystructure 1102, a data modulated MMW signal carrying another dataservice (e.g., data service B: image data files) is transmitted viaanother transceiver device at a second propagation direction to mobiledevice 1106. Although for illustrative brevity only two mobile devices1106, 1108 and two propagation directions are described, multiplecoupling points on the antenna array structure 1102 may be utilized in amanner that facilitates generating concurrent (i.e., from two or moretransceiver devices) or alternative (i.e., from one transceiver device)LOS signal transmissions corresponding to different data services tomultiple mobile devices located in the periphery of surface 1104.

Moreover, utilizing the first coupling point on the antenna arraystructure 1102 in a receive mode, a data modulated MMW signal generatedby mobile device 1108 is received at a transceiver device from a firstpropagation direction. Alternatively or concurrently, by using anothercoupling point on the antenna array structure 1102, another datamodulated MMW signal generated by mobile device 1106 is received atanother transceiver device from a second propagation direction. Althoughfor illustrative brevity only two mobile devices 1106, 1108 and twopropagation directions are described, multiple coupling points on theantenna array structure 1102 may be utilized in a manner thatfacilitates concurrently (i.e., at two or more transceiver devices) oralternatively (i.e., at one transceiver device) receiving LOS signaltransmissions from multiple mobile devices located in the periphery ofsurface 1104.

As described above, different data (i.e., different data services) maybe communicated between mobile devices 1106, 1108. As such, in one mode,different data services may be simultaneously communicated (i.e.,transmitted or received) in different radio propagation directions toseparate mobile devices that are at two different spatial locations.According to another mode, however, different data services may becommunicated (i.e., transmitted or received) in different radiopropagation directions to separate mobile devices that are at twodifferent spatial locations during different time periods. For example,data (e.g., data service A) may first be directionally communicated(i.e., transmitted or received) 1112 to mobile device 1106 during timeinterval T₁, while data (e.g., data service B) may be directionallyradio communicated (i.e., transmitted or received) 1114 to mobile device1108 during a later time interval T₂, which follows T₁.

FIG. 12 shows implementation aspects for MMW communication systems,according to different embodiments. In a first exemplary embodiment, MMWcommunication system 1200 is disposed on a substrate 1202. The MMWcommunication system 1200 includes a MMW communications device 1204packaged as a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) and an antennaarray structure 1206 that is coupled to the communications device 1204.The MMW communications device 1204 may be a MMW transmitter device, aMMW receiver device, or a MMW transceiver device identical to, orsimilar to, those described in relation to FIGS. 4-7 and 8-10. Thesubstrate 1202 may include a system board (i.e., multilayer circuitboard), a 3D chip integration coupled to one or more ICs (not shown), adevice housing, a smart table (i.e., conference room table—see exampleshown in FIG. 13), or generally, any surface that can be used tointegrate an antenna array structure and MMW communication device. Asdepicted, the communications device 1204 is connected to the couplingpoint 1214 of antenna array structure 1206 via antenna feed 1210 andprobe 1212. Moreover, a ground plane 1220 is located between the antennafeed 1210 and the antenna array structure 1206 disposed on the surface Sof the substrate 1202. Thus, the ground plane 1210 provides noiseshielding to the antenna array structure 1206. As further depicted, theMMW communication device 1204 is located within a top surface cavity1222 of the substrate 1202.

Still referring to FIG. 12, according to a second exemplary embodiment,MMW communication system 1250 is disposed on a substrate 1252. The MMWcommunication system 1250 includes a MMW communications device 1254packaged as a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) and an antennaarray structure 1256 that is coupled to the communications device 1254.The MMW communications device 1254 may be a MMW transmitter device, aMMW receiver device, or a MMW transceiver device identical to, orsimilar to, those described in relation to FIGS. 4-7 and 8-10. Thesubstrate 1252 may include a system board (i.e., multilayer circuitboard), a 3D chip integration coupled to one or more ICs (not shown), adevice housing, a smart table (i.e., conference room table—see exampleshown in FIG. 13), or generally, any surface that can be used tointegrate an antenna array structure and MMW communication device. Asdepicted, the communications device 1254 is connected to the couplingpoint 1264 of antenna array structure 1256 via antenna feed 1260 andprobe 1262. Moreover, a ground plane 1270 is located between the antennafeed 1260 and the antenna array structure 1256 disposed on the surfaceS′ of the substrate 1252. As depicted, the ground plane 1270 furtherextends over the MMW communications device 1254. As further depicted,the MMW communication device 1254 is located within a bottom surfacecavity 1272 of the substrate 1252. Thus, housing the MMW communicationdevice 1204 within the bottom surface cavity 1272 of the substrate 1252facilitates extending the ground plane 1270 to provide noise shieldingto not only the antenna array structure 1256, but also the MMWcommunications device 1254.

FIG. 13 shows a connection implementation 1300 between a bank of RFswitches that couples signals generated by a MMW communication device toan antenna array structure, according to one embodiment. For example,the connection implementation 1300 may be utilized with respect to anyone of the MMW communication systems corresponding to FIGS. 4-6 and8-10. More specifically, referring to FIG. 4, according to one example,connection implementation 1300 may be utilized to connect switch bank419 to coupling points 424-428.

As depicted in FIG. 13, a bank of RF switches 1302 is connected toantenna array structure 1304 via antenna feeds 1304 a and 1304 b, andrespective probes 1306 a and 1306 b. For example, the bank of RFswitches 1302 may include switches such as SW₁ and SW₂. The probes 1306a, 1306 b are coupled to coupling points 1310 and 1312 through openings‘A’ and ‘B’ of ground plane 1315. The length of the antenna feeds 1304a, 1304 b between the bank of RF switches 1302 and the probes 1306 a,1306 b are selected to be multiples of the effective substrate (S) halfwavelength of the carrier frequency (e.g., 60 GHz) being transmitted bythe antenna array structure 1304. In particular, the length of theantenna feed 1304 a between switch SW₁ of the RF switches 1302 and probe1306 a is selected to be a multiple of the effective substrate halfwavelength of the carrier frequency (e.g., 60 GHz). Also, the length ofthe antenna feed 1304 b between switch SW₂ of the RF switches 1302 andprobe 1306 b is selected to be a multiple of the effective substratehalf wavelength of the carrier frequency (e.g., 60 GHz). Thus, thelength of antenna feed 1304 a is nλ/2, where λ is the effectivesubstrate half wavelength of the carrier frequency (e.g., 60 GHz) and‘n’ is an integer value. Further, the length of antenna feed 1304 b ismλ/2, where λ is the effective substrate wavelength of the carrierfrequency (e.g., 60 GHz) and ‘m’ is an integer value. In the describedimplementation, the multiple of half wavelengths (mλ/2, nλ/2) associatedwith the length of the antenna feeds 1304 a, 1304 b enables theintegration of the bank of RF switches 1302 within the MMW communicationdevice. In the depicted implementation, when a switch within the bank ofRF switches 1302 is in an off state, the antenna needs to see an opencircuit (high impedance) at the antenna coupling point. This is achievedby establishing the antenna feed length to be a multiple of halfwavelengths (mλ/2, nλ/2). Further, ‘m’ and ‘n’ can either be identicalor have different values.

In other implementations, however, signals to the antenna arraystructure 1304 may be controlled without the use of the bank of RFswitches 1302. In such an embodiment, for example, application of asignal to a particular coupling point associated with the antenna arraystructure 1304 may be turned OFF or ON by controlling the power that isprovided to the amplifier device driving the feed that sends the signalto the particular coupling point.

FIG. 14 shows an example application 1400 of a MMW communication system,according to one embodiment. In particular, the MMW communication systemmay be incorporated into a conference room table 1402 (i.e., a smarttable type design), or any other platform. The table may include antennaarray structures 1404, 1406, a smart phone charger station 1408, otherfunctional features (e.g., projector screen controller, in-built WiFi,etc.) 1410, and peripheral connectors 1412 (e.g., power outlets, USB1connector, USB2 connection, etc.). One communication system CS1 includesa MMW communication device 1415 (e.g., transceiver) that is embeddedwithin the table 1402 and coupled to antenna array structures 1404,while another communication system CS2 includes a MMW communicationdevice 1418 (e.g., transceiver) that is also embedded within the table1402 and coupled to antenna array structures 1406. Although the antennaarray structures 1404, 1406 may be identical to, or similar to, theantenna array structure of FIG. 1, any one or more of the antenna arraystructures depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be utilized.

The antenna array structures 1404, 1406 may be formed on the top surfaceof the table, while their respective MMW communication devices 1415,1418 may be located, for example, within a cavity formed within thetable 1402. Based on application, MMW communication devices 1415 and1418 include any of the devices corresponding to FIGS. 4-6 and 8-10. Forexample, MMW communication devices 1415 and 1418 may each be identicalto MMW transceiver device 602 of FIG. 6. Similarly, a mobile device 1420(e.g., smart phone) located on the charger station 1408 may also includea MMW communication system identical to, or similar to, those depictedin FIGS. 4-6 and 8-10. For example, the mobile device 1420 (e.g., smartphone) may include a transceiver device and antenna array structureidentical to the MMW transceiver device 602 and antenna array structure604 of FIG. 6. Thus, directional LOS MMW radio communications may beexchanged between the mobile device 1420 and communication system CS1.

Still referring to FIG. 14, according to another exemplary operationalexample, computers 1425 and 1435 may exchange large amounts of data viaMMW communication system CS1 and CS2. According to one example, computer1425 desires to exchange a large volume of stored data files with mobiledevice 1420. As such, computer 1425 sends data (TxD1) to MMWcommunication system CS1 via USB connector USB1. The data is thenreceived and radio transmitted at a MMW frequency by MMW communicationsystem CS1 to mobile device 1420, as indicated by RxD1. According toanother example, mobile device 1420 desires to exchange a large volumeof stored data files with computer 1435. As such, mobile device 1420transmits data (TxD2) at a MMW frequency (e.g., 60 GHz) to MMWcommunication system CS2. MMW communication system CS2 then receives andforwards the data to computer 1435 via USB connector USB2, as indicatedby RxD2.

The MMW communication systems of the embodiments described herein allowfor large amounts of data to be radio transmitted at MMW frequencies ina single transmission, which in turn significantly reduces data transfertimes as a result providing high-data-capacity links. Additionally, theMMW communication systems can dynamically steer the LOS communicationsdirectionally in order to, among other things, maximize signal reception(i.e., increased signal-to-noise ratio) at an intended communicationdevice (e.g., computer, mobile device, etc.). For example, MMWcommunication system CS2 can transmit data to mobile device 1420 along afirst propagation direction using antenna array structure 1406. However,MMW communication system CS2 can either simultaneously or alternativetransmit the same or different data to mobile device 1450 along a secondpropagation direction using antenna array structure 1406.

In the present disclosure, the term power amplifier means any device orchain of devices that amplifies signals prior to radio transmission(i.e., at a transmitter) or following radio signal reception (i.e., at areceiver). For a receiver, the power amplifier can include a low noiseamplifier (LNA), while for a transmitter, a power amplifier (PA) is anamplification device used to boost high S/N ratio signals prior to radiotransmission.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary process 1500 (i.e., a Communication SwitchControl (CSC) Program) for controlling the switches associated with theMMW communication systems corresponding to FIGS. 4-6 and 8-10, accordingto one embodiment. Process 1500 may be implemented as software,hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. FIG. 15 will bedescribed with the aid of the MMW communication system 600 depicted inFIG. 6. It may also be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment,process 1500 has the capability of controlling the application of powerto the various power amplifier components in order to control whethersignals are coupled to or received from the antenna structure.

At 1502, information regarding the intended communicating parties arereceived. For example, switch control unit 623 may receive informationthat the intended communicating parties are recipients ‘A’ and ‘B’ (seeFIG. 1). At 1504, it is determined whether communications with one ormore of the intended recipients (A & B) will be a transmission orreceive operation. For example, at 1504, it is determined whethercommunications with MMW communication system 600 be a MMW signalreception or a transmission of a MMW radio signal.

Once it is determined that the MMW communication system 600 will operatein a transmit mode (1504), at 1506 it is further established whether thetransmission will be directed to a single intended recipient or abroadcast to all recipients. For example, a determination will be madeas to whether the MMW communication system 600 will transmit a MMW radiosignal to recipient A or B, or whether a MMW radio signal is to bebroadcast to both recipients A and B.

If the transmission is a broadcast, at 1508 all relevant switches areactuated to enable sending the data modulated MMW signals to all therequired antenna feeds and coupling points on the antenna arraystructure. For example, within MMW communication system 600, switchesSW′₁ and SW′₂ are actuated by the switch control unit 623 of MMWtransceiver 602. This enables data modulated MMW signals to be sent tocoupling points 624 and 626 of the antenna array structure 604 forbroadcasting to multiple recipients such as recipients A and B.

If the transmission is not a broadcast, at 1510 a predetermined switchis actuated to enable sending a data modulated MMW signal to a requiredantenna feed and coupling point on the antenna array structure. Forexample, within MMW communication system 600, switch SW′₁ or SW′₂ isactuated by the switch control unit 623 of MMW transceiver 602. Thisenables the data modulated MMW signal to be sent to either couplingpoint 624 or 626 of the antenna array structure 604. Thus, depending onthe coupling point 624, 626 utilized, the data modulated MMW signal isdirectionally sent to either recipient A or B.

At 1512, the signal strength and continuity of the signal strength isprocessed in order to determine whether the actuation of one or more ofthe switches should be changed to establish a more accurate LOScommunication path. For example, switch SW′₁ may be actuated (e.g.,SW′₁=CLOSED) by the switch control unit 623 of MMW transceiver 602 inorder to establish a LOS communication path to recipient A. If recipientA fails to acknowledge initial receipt of the transmission from MMWtransceiver 602 within a predefined time period and/or number oftransmission tries, the switch control unit 623 of MMW transceiver 602changes the switch actuation configuration (e.g., SW′₁=OPEN;SW′₂=CLOSED) to send the transmission along another LOS communicationpath. In this exemplary scenario, recipient A may have changed itsposition. Thus, using different switch configurations, the position ofan intended recipient may be determined based on eventually receiving anacknowledgement from the recipient (e.g., recipient A) and measuring thereceived signal strength.

If, however, it is determined that the MMW communication system 600 willoperate in a receive mode (1504), at 1514 it is further establishedwhether the signal reception will be from a single intended recipient ora broadcasted signal. For example, a determination will be made as towhether the MMW communication system 600 will receive a MMW radio signalfrom transmitting party A or B (see FIG. 1), or whether a received MMWradio signal is to be broadcast from transmitting party A or B.

If the intended reception is from a broadcast, at 1516 all relevantswitches are actuated to enable receiving the broadcast data modulatedMMW signal at all the required antenna feeds and coupling points on theantenna array structure. For example, within MMW communication system600, switches SW′₁ and SW′₂ are actuated by the switch control unit 623of MMW transceiver 602. This enables the received data modulated MMWsignal to be received at coupling points 624 and 626 of the antennaarray structure 604 based on the broadcast from either transmittingparty A or B.

If the signal reception is not a broadcast, at 1518 a predeterminedswitch is actuated to enable receiving a data modulated MMW signal at arequired antenna feed and coupling point on the antenna array structure.For example, within MMW communication system 600, switch SW′₁ or SW′₂ isactuated by the switch control unit 623 of MMW transceiver 602. Thisenables the data modulated MMW signal to be received to either couplingpoint 624 or 626 of the antenna array structure 604. Thus, depending onthe coupling point 624, 626 utilized, the data modulated MMW signal isdirectionally received from either transmitting party A or B. Morespecifically, for example, actuating switch SW′₁ enables the datamodulated MMW signal to be received at coupling point 624 of the antennaarray structure 604, while actuating switch SW′₂ enables the datamodulated MMW signal to be received at coupling point 626 of the antennaarray structure 604.

At 1520, the signal strength and continuity of the signal strength isprocessed in order to determine whether the actuation of one or more ofthe switches should be changed to establish a more accurate LOScommunication path. For example, switch SW′₁ may be actuated (e.g.,SW′₁=CLOSED) by the switch control unit 623 of MMW transceiver 602 inorder to establish a LOS communication path from transmitting party A.If a transmission from transmitting party A is not received by MMWtransceiver 602 within a predefined time period and/or number oftransmission tries, the switch control unit 623 of MMW transceiver 602changes the switch actuation configuration (e.g., SW′₁=OPEN;SW′₂=CLOSED) to establish signal reception along another LOScommunication path. In this exemplary scenario, transmitting party A mayhave changed its position. Thus, using different switch configurations,the position of a communicating transmitting party may be determinedbased on eventually receiving the data modulated MMW signal from thetransmitting party (e.g., transmitting party A) at a particular signalstrength. In one implementation, based on the received signal beingabove a certain predetermined threshold, it is determined that thetransmitting party is at a particular location.

Within each of the exemplary MMW communication system embodimentsdescribed above, the transmitter, receiver, or transceiver devices mayalternatively not include any baseband signal source and/or receiverdevices (e.g., FIG. 4: 408, FIG. 5: 508, etc.), and thus, include MMWsignal generators (e.g., FIG. 4: 410, FIG. 5: 510, etc.), mixers (e.g.,FIG. 4: 412, FIG. 5: 512, etc.), amplifiers (e.g., FIG. 4: 416 a-n, FIG.5: 516 a-n, etc.), and in some instances, power-splitter/combiners(e.g., FIG. 4: 414, FIG. 5: 514, etc.). In such embodiments, data to betransmitted, or data to be received and processed, may be provided fromanother device (i.e., located either remotely or in proximity).

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of the components of a data processingsystem 1800, 1900, that may be incorporated within switch control units423, 523, 623, 823, 923, or 1023 (FIGS. 4-6 & 8-10) in accordance withan illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It should beappreciated that FIG. 16 provides only an illustration of oneimplementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to theenvironments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Manymodifications to the depicted environments may be made based on designand implementation requirements.

Data processing system 1800, 1900 is representative of any electronicdevice capable of executing machine-readable program instructions. Dataprocessing system 1800, 1900 may be representative of a smart phone, acomputer system, PDA, or other electronic devices. Examples of computingsystems, environments, and/or configurations that may represented bydata processing system 1800, 1900 include, but are not limited to,personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thickclients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based systems, network PCs, minicomputer systems, anddistributed cloud computing environments that include any of the abovesystems or devices.

The data processing system 1800, 1900 may include a set of internalcomponents 800 and a set of external components 1900 illustrated in FIG.16. The set of internal components 800 includes one or more processors1820, one or more computer-readable RAMs 1822 and one or morecomputer-readable ROMs 1824 on one or more buses 1826, and one or moreoperating systems 1828 and one or more computer-readable tangiblestorage devices 1830. The one or more operating systems 1828 andprograms such as Communication Switch Control (CSC) Program 1600 (alsosee FIG. 15) is stored on one or more computer-readable tangible storagedevices 1830 for execution by one or more processors 1820 via one ormore RAMs 1822 (which typically include cache memory). In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 16, each of the computer-readable tangible storagedevices 1830 is a magnetic disk storage device of an internal harddrive. Alternatively, each of the computer-readable tangible storagedevices 1830 is a semiconductor storage device such as ROM 1824, EPROM,flash memory or any other computer-readable tangible storage device thatcan store a computer program and digital information.

The set of internal components 1800 also includes a R/W drive orinterface 1832 to read from and write to one or more portablecomputer-readable tangible storage devices 1936 such as a CD-ROM, DVD,memory stick, magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk orsemiconductor storage device. The CSC program 1600 can be stored on oneor more of the respective portable computer-readable tangible storagedevices 1936, read via the respective R/W drive or interface 1832 andloaded into the respective hard drive 1830.

The set of internal components 1800 may also include network adapters(or switch port cards) or interfaces 836 such as a TCP/IP adapter cards,wireless wi-fi interface cards, or 3G or 4G wireless interface cards orother wired or wireless communication links. CSC program 1600 can bedownloaded from an external computer (e.g., server) via a network (forexample, the Internet, a local area network or other, wide area network)and respective network adapters or interfaces 1836. From the networkadapters (or switch port adaptors) or interfaces 1836, the CSC program1600 is loaded into the respective hard drive 1830. The network maycomprise copper wires, optical fibers, wireless transmission, routers,firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers.

The set of external components 1900 can include a computer displaymonitor 1920, a keyboard 1930, and a computer mouse 1934. Externalcomponent 1900 can also include touch screens, virtual keyboards, touchpads, pointing devices, and other human interface devices. The set ofinternal components 1800 also includes device drivers 1840 to interfaceto computer display monitor 1920, keyboard 1930 and computer mouse 1934.The device drivers 1840, R/W drive or interface 1832 and network adapteror interface 1836 comprise hardware and software (stored in storagedevice 1830 and/or ROM 1824).

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the one or more embodiment, the practical application ortechnical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

1. A millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system, comprising: an antennaarray structure operating within a MMW band, the antenna array structurehaving both a first antenna coupling point at a first location of theantenna array structure and a second antenna coupling point at a secondlocation of the antenna array structure, the first and the secondlocation of the antenna coupling points being within a coplanar surfaceon which the antenna array structure is formed; a first MMW transmitterdevice that couples a first data modulated MMW signal to the firstantenna coupling point; a second MMW transmitter device that couples asecond data modulated MMW signal different to the first data modulatedMMW signal to the second antenna coupling point; wherein coupling thefirst data modulated MMW signal to the first antenna coupling pointgenerates a first MMW radio signal transmitted at a first propagationdirection by the antenna array structure at a first operating frequency,and wherein coupling the second data modulated MMW signal to the secondantenna coupling point generates a second MMW radio signal transmittedat a second propagation direction by the antenna array structure at asecond operating frequency, the second propagation direction beingdifferent to the first propagation direction.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the first propagation direction and the second propagationdirection are located within a plane that is perpendicular to thecoplanar surface, the first propagation direction having a firstaltitude angle and the second propagation direction having a secondaltitude angle, the second altitude angle including an angle value thatis different than the first altitude angle.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the first MMW transmitter device comprises: a first basebandsignal generator; a first MMW signal generator that generates the firstoperating frequency; a first frequency mixer having a first mixer input,a second mixer input, and a first mixer output, wherein the first mixerinput is coupled to the first baseband signal generator and the secondmixer input is coupled to the first MMW signal generator; and a firstpower amplifier having a first amplifier input and a first amplifieroutput, the first amplifier input coupled to the first mixer output andthe first amplifier output coupled to the first antenna coupling point.4. The system of claim 3, wherein the second MMW transmitter devicecomprises: a second baseband signal generator; a second MMW signalgenerator that generates the second operating frequency; a secondfrequency mixer having a third mixer input, a fourth mixer input, and asecond mixer output, wherein the third mixer input is coupled to thesecond baseband signal generator and the fourth mixer input is coupledto the second MMW signal generator; and a second power amplifier havinga second amplifier input and a second amplifier output, the secondamplifier input coupled to the second mixer output and the secondamplifier output coupled to the second antenna coupling point.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, further comprising: a first switch located betweenthe first frequency mixer and the first antenna coupling point; a secondswitch located between the second frequency mixer and the second antennacoupling point; and a switch control unit including a first mode ofoperation and a second mode of operation, wherein during the first modeof operation only one of the first switch and the second switch isactuated to a closed position, and wherein during the second mode ofoperation both the first switch and the second switch are actuated to aclosed position.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna arraystructure comprises a grid antenna having a plurality of loops, the gridantenna configured to operate within a millimeter-wave band of 57-66GHz.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna array structurecomprises a series fed patch antenna configured to operate within amillimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein theantenna array structure comprises a coupled patch antenna configured tooperate within a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising an outer surface area, wherein the antennaarray structure includes radiator elements that are all located directlyon the outer surface area.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the outersurface comprises an outer surface of a table.
 11. The system of claim9, wherein the outer surface comprises an outer surface of a portableelectronic device.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising: afirst switch that receives the first MMW data modulated signal; a firstantenna feed line having a first end that is coupled to the firstswitch, wherein the first switch switches the first MMW data modulatedsignal to the first end of the first antenna feed line; and a firstantenna probe coupled to a second end of the first antenna feed line,the first antenna probe coupling the first MMW data modulated signalreceived from the second end of the first antenna feedline to the firstantenna coupling point, wherein the first antenna feed line includes alength of nλ₁/2 from the first end of the first antenna feed line to thesecond end of the first antenna feed line, λ₁ being an effective carrierfrequency wavelength corresponding to the first MMW data modulatedsignal and n being an integer value.
 13. The system of claim 12, furthercomprising: a second switch that receives the second MMW data modulatedsignal; a second antenna feed line having a first end that is coupled tothe second switch, wherein the second switch switches the second MMWdata modulated signal to the first end of the second antenna feed line;and a second antenna probe coupled to a second end of the second antennafeed line, the second antenna probe coupling the second MMW datamodulated signal received from the second end of the second antennafeedline to the second antenna coupling point, wherein the secondantenna feed line includes a length comprising mλ₂/2 from the first endof the second antenna feed line to the second end the second antennafeed line, λ₂ being an effective carrier frequency wavelengthcorresponding to the second MMW data modulated signal and m being aninteger value.
 14. A method of millimeter-wave (MMW) communicationscomprising: generating a first data modulated MMW signal from a firstbaseband signal generator and a first MMW source operating at a firstMMW frequency; generating a second data modulated MMW signal from asecond baseband signal generator and a second MMW source operating at asecond MMW frequency; coupling, via a first switch, the first datamodulated MMW signal to a first antenna coupling point of an antennaarray structure operating within a MMW band; and coupling, via a secondswitch, the second data modulated MMW signal to a second antennacoupling point of the antenna array structure, wherein the first and thesecond location of the antenna coupling points are within a coplanarsurface on which the antenna array structure is formed.
 15. The methodof claim 14, further comprising: generating, responsive to actuating thefirst switch, a first MMW radio signal corresponding to the first datamodulated MMW signal, the first MMW radio signal transmitted at a firstpropagation direction by the antenna array structure at the first MMWfrequency; generating, responsive to actuating the second switch, asecond MMW radio signal corresponding to the second data modulated MMWsignal, the second MMW radio signal transmitted at a second propagationdirection by the antenna array structure at the second MMW frequency,wherein the first propagation direction and the second propagationdirection are located within a plane that is perpendicular to thecoplanar surface, the first propagation direction having a firstaltitude angle and the second propagation direction having a secondaltitude angle, the second altitude angle including an angle value thatis different than the first altitude angle.
 16. The method of claim 14,further comprising: receiving, by the first switch, the first MMW datamodulated signal; switching, by the first switch, the first MMW datamodulated signal to a first antenna feed line coupled to a first antennaprobe; and receiving, by the first antenna probe, the first MMW datamodulated signal switched to the first antenna feed line by the firstswitch; and receiving, by the first antenna coupling point, the firstMMW data modulated signal from the first antenna probe, wherein thefirst antenna feed line includes a length of nλ₁/2 from the first end ofthe first antenna feed line to the second end of the first antenna feedline, λ₁ being an effective carrier frequency wavelength correspondingto the first MMW data modulated signal and n being an integer value. 17.The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving, by the secondswitch, the second MMW data modulated signal; switching, by the secondswitch, the second MMW data modulated signal to a second antenna feedline coupled to a second antenna probe; and receiving, by the secondantenna probe, the second MMW data modulated signal switched to thesecond antenna feed line by the second switch; and receiving, by thesecond antenna coupling point, the second MMW data modulated signal fromthe second antenna probe, wherein the second antenna feed line includesa length of mλ₂/2 from the first end of the second antenna feed line tothe second end of the second antenna feed line, λ₂ being the effectivecarrier frequency wavelength corresponding to the second MMW datamodulated signal and m being an integer value.
 18. The method of claim17, further comprising: forming the antenna array structure on an outersurface area, wherein the antenna array structure includes radiatorelements that are all formed directly on the outer surface area.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the outer surface comprises an outer surfaceof a table.
 20. The method of claim 8, wherein the outer surfacecomprises an outer surface of a portable electronic device.